The mother had asked the fashion store assistant, identified only as Luisa under Italy's privacy laws, to cover herself up because her large breasts and the act of rubbing cream on them had "troubled her sons aged 14 and 12."

After the court handed down its decision the young woman's lawyer, Gianluca Arrighi, said he had never had any doubt that the accusation of obscene behaviour was without substance.

He pointed out that it was not illegal to sunbathe topless on an Italian beach and said it was not his client's fault if she had an "ample bosom".